Chicken curry and an Indian travel story
Delicious chicken curry
The very first time I had good Indian must have been in the UK. I was visiting friends at the time and we went to an Indian restaurant which just blew me away. I can’t even remember what we had, as we also shared most of the dishes but all of it was absolutely awesome and totally delicious. Since then I was hooked. Hooked on Indian food! Now obviously the Indian food we get here in European is I think slightly adapted to the Western palette, a little less spicy but still quite tasty overall. However when I finally went to India it was another experience all together!
Sarah and me posing in front of the Taj Mahal
I no longer work for Nike so I can now tell you that that ‘business’ trip we took 8 years ago was all about fun and just a tiny bit about work… 
I was Operations Manager at the time of the professional sports department. We took care of the entire logistics surrounding events like Olympics, Tour de France, World Cup Rugby and other fun events like that, so you can imagine that getting the clothes delivered to the athletes on time was crucial. We were used to working under tight deadlines and I was heading the department of 5. Mostly, we had a lot of fun, although we did work our buts off and certainly did not have a 9 to 5 job (more 8 to 8 most days!). I did travel quite a bit for work at the time too but in most cases
Sugar cane vendor
that was flying in, working late and flying back, so no space for fun. But Sarah and I, we came up with this brilliant plan of telling the Asian factories a bit more about ‘promo’. You see the trouble we always ran into was that factories, used to producing large quantities for retail, where not always very keen on producing 10 units for a track & field athlete, so we needed to educate them a little or so we managed to convince my manager… 
I think in a way, she must have known that this was not a very hard trip to take and that we would have some fun in between but I also think she didn’t really mind. We had worked ridiculously hard the entire year so we earned it! We would be
Drunk man during the Holi festival
going for two weeks and visit three countries; Thailand, India and Sri Lanka. It was quite a bit of work scheduling it all, as we did have to visit the liaison offices in those countries, we would have to give them presentations (my biggest nightmare !) plus a few factory visits would have to be scheduled too. I think we were leaving around Easter, so we went a few days early to be able to visit the Taj Mahal and see some of India.
What we did not know before leaving, was that it was the Holi festival. A festival that – according to the Lonely Planet – is one of the few were you are not encouraged to go outside as a foreign female. So that was a bit of a bummer as it took an entire day out of our schedule. I understood later from Soma, that this is a festival we should have celebrated in an Indian home. On the streets of Delhi it was mostly drunk groups of men that were roaming around.
We did get to see the Taj Mahal and I loved that!! I thought I would not be as impressed as I actually was. I had seen so many images before going that I didn’t think it would be able to live up to the tale but it actually did. You have to see it with your own eyes to know what I’m talking about. Definitely a must see when in India.
But now the food…. We were lucky that we were mostly in the company of our Indian colleagues. That makes it a lot easier to make decisions on what to eat and what not. They took us to a typical small breakfast place, we had a fancy lunch at a posh restaurant and a dinner at a not so posh restaurant. In all cases, I totally loved the Indian flavors. Yes, some of it was so spicy I had steam coming out of my ears but for me Indian food is all about the combination of spices and flavors, which I think is unique to this cuisine. I wasn’t as much into food then as I am now, which is unfortunate, as I would love to go back and do it in a totally different way. I’m still trying to convince Tom that we have to visit India, but for some reason he is very hesitant to go.
Spicy but delicious
It’s a country of extremes I think and he fears he is not able to cope very well with the masses of people everywhere. I’ve only been in India for 5 days but in those 5 days I fell in love with the country, the culture, the food and the people. So we WILL go back at some point in the – hopefully – near future.
In any case, since then I have been trying to recreate the Indian flavors at home, but that is a whole different story altogether! Not so easy as it sounds too… Your spices or rather the quality of your spices, can make or break an Indian dish and sadly, good spices are not everywhere to be found as I soon found out when I had a very disappointing curry before. I now buy my spices in bulk and not ground but whole. I keep them locked away in a dark place and if I need some they are now fresh as they keep for a very long time. So whatever you do, make sure you’re spices still have some punch in them.
I now realize this has become a VERY long post for which I apologize..;) And I started out thinking; o, I have nothing to write about! lol… This delicious recipe is once again from my Indian guru, Soma from the gorgeous blog Ecurry. I was just looking back through my blog and notice I have made quite a few of her recipes. This one is delicious and I think the first chicken curry I made at home that actually tastes like Indian food, so mission accomplised!! It’s a simple one too, let’s call it curry for beginners…
Gridlled courgette & chickpea salad
P.S. These photos are taken with the leftovers; if you are wondering what happened to the chicken. Most of that was devoured already!
Chicken curry
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (with bones but without skin)
- fresh cilantro (for garnish)
marinade
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste (you can use fresh ginger and make this into a paste)
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste (use fresh garlic and ground this into a paste in pestle and mortar)
- 1/2 onion (finely chopped)
- 4 tablespoons yogurt
- salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
curry
- 5-6 tablespoons oil
- 1 cinnamon sticks
- 2 pieces green cardamom pods
- 2 pieces cloves
- 2 pieces red onion (large size)
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste
- 2 tablespoons garlic paste
- 2 cups tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
curry (Optional)
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cilantro
- 2 red or green chili (hot ones!)
Directions:
| Wash and clean the chicken and put all the ingredients for the marinade with the chicken. Leave to stand for a few hours or overnight is even better | |
| Put a pan with a thick base on the stove (castiron is best). Add the cinnamon, cardamom pods and cloves in the pan and roast this dry until they become fragrant. This will take a few minutes. make sure not to burn them! | |
| Add the oil to the pan and as soon as the spices begin to sissle, add the chopped onion, the chili and the sugar. Stir this on high until the onions begin to caramelize and colour lightly brown. | |
| Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and add them to the pan. Keep the marinade. Bake the chicken, stirring every once in a while until light brown. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated with some of the oil and onions. | |
| Add salt, turmeric, red chili powder, ginger paste, garlic pasta, cilantro powder and the rest of the marinade and tomatoes to the pan. On medium fire bake this for about 15-20 minutes until the oil starts to split (you will see the oil floating to the top) | |
| Stir regularly and scrape over the bottom of the pan doing this. If you feel it is starting to stick to the bottom you can add a little water and make sure it gets removed from the bottom. You don't want it to burn and become dark brown. As soon as the oil separates you add 2,5 cups of water. Stir to mix. |
|
| Cover with a lid and cook for another 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is done. You should have some liquid left over in the pan, same as with a good mealsoup and enough to dip in some bread. If it is too liquid, remove the lid and cook until it is lessened. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice or bread | |
Note
This recipe is fairly spicy but I did add the optional chili powder in there. If you're not so fond of spicy food then ommit the chili powder to make it less spicy.
Recipe from Ecurry
Appetizer
Asian
Bread
Breakfast
Desserts & other sweets
Healthy
Hi Simone,
this is our first time on your site & we think your photos are brilliant.
Your Indian story struck a cord with us. We are fashion industry professionals also (with a side serve of food obsession) and have spent some time in India through our travels.
The highlight of touring through Indian factories and meeting rooms is always the inevitable Indian banquet to follow – great food. Yum! We are now and always Indian dahl & curry devotees…
We, like you have also taken our love of rich global cultures, wonderful food, interesting people and places and tossed them together in the form or our new blog ;
http://earthwalkersfpcp.blogspot.com.au/
We’d love you to visit, have a read and let us know your thoughts.
Thanks again for Junglefrog!
Thanks – Adam & Kristy.
[Reply]
I can’t comment about the curry as it is non-vegetarian but I can tell you it looks very Indian.
Yes, spices make the difference. And sometimes, its about using just a little less than more.
So you have been to India. The next time you visit you should come to Goa too.
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:14
I should and I want to come to Goa! I’ve seen so much about it. Still need to convince Tom but I’m sure I can make him want to come too..:)
[Reply]
A fabulous curry! So colorful and flavorful looking. Indian food is so unique and scrumptious.
Cheers,
Rosa
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:15
Thanks Rosa… I’m thinking of doing a whole line of curries soon.. Gonna try all of them..;)
[Reply]
Actually I am happy you shared that story, it was not too long at all. My dream is to go to India, it sounds and looks amazing. I want to go for a yoga and meditation retreat:-). Your job sounded really busy, but wow so fun! What beautiful experiences you had. I don’t eat enough Indian food, but I do really like it! This chicken curry looks so good!!!!! Hugs, Terra
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:15
Thanks Terra. You should really go to India if you have the change. And well you can always start by making this delicious curry to get you in the mood!
[Reply]
Read your comment on Sophie Foodie File, Vegan Marinated Tofu. I think you will enjoy my Hoisin Tofu with Nuts and 3 Peppers recipe that I posted on 2/17/12.
[Reply]
So you did add the chili powder;) If you can get hold of Kashmiri Chili Powder, try that. These are peppers with minimal heat but very deep red color which will perk up your dishes. I have been using that for a long time now, since my little one cannot have spicy food.
Thanks much for all the kind words. xo and I do hope you get to visit India again. Give me a holler when you do!
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:17
Yeah we didn’t see any Indian females on the streets either during Holi. It was just man and I think we were lucky that our cab driver was very worried about us going into town so he convinced us it was definitely not safe. he did drive us around a bit so we got to see a bit of the chaos in town!
And yes I did add the chili powder. I don’t think I ever saw Kashmiri chili but will have a look out if I can find it. We did love the heat though.. Made me all sweaty and getting a runny nose but still..loved it! I will give a shout when next we go to India!
[Reply]
I loved reading about your “previous life’ Simone! Very interesting! I’ve visited India and immediately fell in love with the people, culture and yes the food! I’ve bookmarked this curry recipe as I quite like my curries served HOT!
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:18
Yes it’s a fantastic country! And you’re sure gonna love this curry!
[Reply]
I LOVE Indian food and heard that it’s really good in England. I’ve never been to England or London ;( Sigh.
I love that you photographed leftovers and there was no more chicken left
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:19
If you have the chance you should go to London Olga.. It’s fabulous or at least I think so. And yes Indian food is the best!
[Reply]
What a cool story Simone. Your job sounded so exciting. I am a Nike fan so think I would have enjoyed a job like that too. And yeah, a trip to India would have been sweet!
Finding the right balance of spices is so important when cooking ….. This recipe looks like it is perfect and of course the photos are delicious xx
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:20
I loved my job Mona, but after 9 years of being in the same department (in different jobs) I sort of felt that it was all repeating itself. Each Tour de France or Olympics becomes about the same issues and at some point even a great job can get boring, which is usually the time to move on!
[Reply]
my my!! Beautiful pictures!! And I loooove chicken curry! I never knew much about Indian food until I started working at my current job where most of my co-workers were Indians. My favourite Indian food is Shahi Paneer. You’ve got to try that! It my possibly be the food you had in the UK!
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:21
Thanks Sammie! Yes. I’ve been wanting to try paneer for a while now. Just haven’t found it but I will defnitely be trying that next! Could very be that I had it while in the UK..
[Reply]
Didn’t know you used to work for Nike! Love your travel story, I’ve never been to India but it sounds (and looks) like such a special country. And this curry is definitely calling me: spicy, aromatic, beautiful orange colours… love it!
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:22
I left Nike 5 years ago already… Time flies. I do still come there very regularly to meet with friends and have lunch..
And India is indeed fabulous. Both the food and the people!
[Reply]
Oh, JP and I so want to visit India!!! You can come with us! You are so super lucky to have gone on this trip as you did and have Indian colleagues taking you to the right places to eat. Scrumptious! And I love Indian food, the flavors are my favorites but why don’t I cook it more often? Inspiration is your post and I’ll cook an Indian meal this weekend! Maybe from Soma’s blog! x
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 12:23
Soma has soooo many delicious recipes on her blog, you should definitely be picking one of her curries Jamie! And I so want to come with you to India..;) How fun would that be!
[Reply]
Ciao Simone piacere di fare la tua conoscenza e quella del tuo blog, ho trovato delle ricette favolse, complimenti. Buon week end Daniela.
[Reply]
I too am trying to make good curry at home, sometimes it works and sometimes it just doesn’t measure up, but hey, that’s cooking! Your story reminds me of our trip to Italy. We had been to some great Italian restaurants here, but nothing like experiencing the flavors at the place of origin–nothing. Glad to find eCurry, what a beautiful blog!
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — February 24th, 2012 at 17:15
I know. I love Italian food too and when we went on holiday there two years ago it was a delight to eat real good and simple Italian meals every day!
[Reply]
tht’s sweet- you loved my country at its diverse best and that is commendable; nice travelogue simone !
[Reply]
Curry (Indian, Thai, even Japanese) is one of my favourite dishes! I do so want to visit India someday… I didn’t know you used to work for Nike!
[Reply]
What a wonderful story and a delicious curry! My husband is not a fan of Indian food, so I only can treat myself once in a while!
[Reply]
a very interesting read, being an indian i love reading travel journals of India through a foreigner’s eye.. holi does get a bit crazy here but like soma said u wud hav totally enjoyed it with good company, it is a riot of colours & get to eat some amazing food too
the curry looks too authentic not to be made by an indian, lovely pics 
[Reply]
What a wonderful Blog – I am glad I found you. Its late here in the South of India and therefore time for bed. But tomorrow I MUST read everything, especially your journey to my guest country. I am glad you loved it. See you soon. Ciao, Carina
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — October 3rd, 2012 at 00:17
Thanks so much Carina! Yes I am definitely planning on going again some time in the future!
[Reply]
Simone, now I am back again! But this here is really for Tom! I am glad you both had such a good time “up North!”, but all our northern friends from Delhi and Jaipur etc. loooooove to come SOUTH, because of our greenery and the famous backwaters. Keep looking into my site, more pictures and recipes (for our foreign friends) are to come. And soon another major joyous celebration is coming uo “Divali” Festival of lights. Celebrated in most homes, Hindu or Christian – so, some lights will shine in our house, too (13.-17.11.12) Ciao
[Reply]
Simone (junglefrog) — October 7th, 2012 at 10:32
Thanks so much Carina! Yes I have heard good things about the south if India before and will definitely keep that in mind!!
[Reply]
The chicken curry looks absolutely delicious.
[Reply]